Mumbai: Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has expressed her appreciation for Pakistani singers Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib's song Alfaaz, describing it as her "favourite song in the world" in an Instagram story shared during Diwali celebrations.
The actress posted a photograph of herself wearing a red outfit, accompanied by the Pakistani track and a heart emoji. Her post was reported by entertainment publications on November 10. Released in July 2026, Alfaaz brings together singer Hamza Malik and musical duo Zain Zohaib, combining Urdu and Punjabi vocals.
The song has attracted listeners in Pakistan, India and other markets through streaming platforms and social media. According to figures reported by Dawn, Alfaaz topped Spotify's daily charts in both Pakistan and India and reached No. 38 on the platform's Global Top 50 chart in early November.
The track also reached second place on the United Kingdom's Official Asian Music Chart and topped the weekly chart published by music lyrics platform Genius.
Alan Walker's Lahore visit brings attention to Alfaaz
Panday's appreciation follows a visit to Lahore by British Norwegian music producer Alan Walker, who met Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib after discovering their music.
Walker had previously reacted to the song's music video on social media, drawing attention to a masked figure whose appearance resembled his own stage identity. During his visit, Walker met the performers and worked with them on music, prompting discussion about a possible collaboration.
On November 5, the producer shared a video featuring a wooden box bearing his logo near Lahore's Alamgiri Gate, with Alfaaz playing in the background. The post prompted speculation about a new version of the track, although the video itself did not confirm a release date.
Pakistani music reaches audiences across borders
The song's performance on streaming platforms highlights how Pakistani artists are reaching listeners beyond their domestic market. Despite restrictions on cultural exchanges between Pakistan and India, digital platforms continue to provide access to music produced on either side of the border.
Panday's public appreciation adds to the attention surrounding Alfaaz, particularly among audiences familiar with Bollywood and Punjabi language music. The song's success also demonstrates the role of streaming services in expanding the reach of Pakistani musicians, with chart performance and international collaborations creating opportunities for artists to connect with audiences across different countries.
